BSN 1- I

John Quincy Archibald is an earnest, hardworking and a selfless man in order to provide
the needs of his family. Now, how was altruism being imposed in this film? A father who will
do everything to save the life of his child no matter how worse the consequence will be, a father
who will do self-sacifice by almost giving his heart though killing himself just to provide his
desired wish – his child to live longer and have a great future in life even though he is aware of
losing his own life. John Q’s actions simply perfectly described what altruism really is. “Just
don’t take no for an answer” is an altruistic statement that I heard from the movie. It was said by
one of the nurses who is trying to help to solve John Q’s fiancial problem. But for me, taking
‘no’ for an answer is only applicable to making ethical choices.

I would like to emphasize how big of an impact money and economic status were. These
were one of basis for patients to become a part of the list of getting a new heart and a heart
surgery. Broken and unjust health care systems and policies really affect peoples lives, what kind
of person creates these policies anyway? Sadly, this does not only happen in movies but also in
the real world. And talking about violating the idea of utilitarianism, wherein it focuses on
weighing things to achieve the well-being and happiness of the majority. It was completely
frustrating knowing that the hospital only prioritizes and lists the people who can pay the amount
of money required wherein the real life these people are considered to be only a minority in the
count of our population. But what about the majority? What about those millions of lives who
are at risk of death and further harm? What about those who still cannot give a down payment in
order to get the treatment they deserve and need? Where is the compassion here? Are there
people who still have compassion? I did not like what the lieutenant said to John Q on the phone,
“Only John Q against everybody”. He should have realized to put his feet in John Q’s shoes so
he would understand what John Q was feeling. The man considered John Q as one of the
minorities here yet that man is wrong, the Archibald family were not the only victims of this kind
of social justice. A lot of people are suffering from this situation and I disagree that only a few
people are affected.

This is where social injustice comes in. The policy of some of the healthcare instituitions
are very disappointing because it does not promote altruism, it is unjust and are way too biased
when it comes to people or patients in providing health care. Sometimes, people are way too
business-minded rather than being humane. They tend to only look at the patient’s economic
status and physical appearance. The world would have been a better place to live if their policies
were ethically modified for the majority to become a priority too. This issue should be addressed
to the people who are in higher positions in order to provide a better and ethically modified
health care system. What will be the use of the oath they take such as the Hippocratic Oath if
they are hypocrites just as everybody else. The movie was really beautiful and attention
grabbing. The problem in this movie should be an eye opener to everyone. This movie teaches us
a lesson about altruism, utilitarianism and social injustice.